Bridging success: How institutional adults can support system involved youth and young adults in pursuing post-secondary vocational education and career pathways

Supportive relationships can facilitate educational and vocational goals for youth and young adults. Formal systems, such as child welfare, juvenile justice and mental health, acknowledge the importance of social support however limited research has been focused on the types of support youth and young adults receive from institutional adults when pursuing post-secondary vocational education (PSVE) and career pathways. Through qualitative interviews with 16 young adults formerly involved in the child welfare, juvenile justice and/or mental health system who are currently enrolled in PSVE programs, this study examined the type of support they received from institutional adults when pursuing PSVE. Thematic analysis of interview data found that participants valued and actively sought out relationships with institutional adults, but did not always have access to academic or career support. Participants reported positive support from adults in PSVE settings that facilitated their academic and career goals. However, support from institutional adults in the child welfare, juvenile justice and mental health system was mixed. There is a need to build the capacity of formal youth serving systems to provide academic guidance and support around various educational and career paths, including recognizing PSVE programs as an educational option for some youth.